Tragic Bus Accident at Himachal-Uttarakhand Border Claims 3 Lives, Injures Dozens
A devastating bus accident occurred on Tuesday morning near the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and leaving approximately three dozen passengers injured. The incident has prompted a massive rescue and relief operation involving multiple state agencies.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The ill-fated bus, belonging to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), was traveling from Nerwa in Shimla district to Paonta Sahib in Sirmour district within Himachal Pradesh. At around 9:30 AM, the vehicle plunged into a deep gorge estimated to be about 100 feet deep near the area of Kwanu.
Nishchint Negi, Superintendent of Police for Sirmour, provided crucial details regarding the accident. He confirmed that the bus met with the accident in the territory of the neighboring state of Uttarakhand. According to preliminary information, the three deceased individuals and nearly all the injured passengers were residents of Himachal Pradesh.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Following the accident, a coordinated rescue operation was swiftly launched. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with police personnel from both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, are actively involved in the ongoing efforts to assist the victims and manage the situation.
The injured passengers were promptly rushed to nearby hospitals located in both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to receive urgent medical attention. Authorities from both states are working in close coordination to ensure effective rescue and relief measures.
Chief Minister's Directive and Support
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken immediate note of the tragic incident and issued specific instructions to officials. He has directed that all necessary assistance be provided to the affected individuals and their families. A critical aspect of his directive includes arranging for the airlifting of severely injured patients via helicopter to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla for advanced medical care.
In a statement, Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his deep condolences, praying for peace for the departed souls and offering strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time. His proactive measures underscore the state government's commitment to supporting the victims and ensuring they receive the best possible medical treatment.
Ongoing Investigation and Coordination
While the rescue operations continue, authorities are also focusing on investigating the exact cause of the accident. The collaboration between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand police is crucial for a thorough examination of the incident site and gathering all relevant facts.
This tragic event highlights the challenges of travel in hilly terrains and the importance of stringent safety measures for public transport in such regions. The community and authorities alike are mourning the loss and working tirelessly to aid the injured.
